Symptomatic radionecrosis of cerebral arteriovenous malformation post-stereotactic radiosurgery: Report of 2 cases

Abstract

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an effective and non-invasive modality for the treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformation (cAVM). Delayed radionecrosis may occur in a small percentage of them, with the majority of their symptoms being transient. We present 2 patients who developed persistently symptomatic radionecrosis lesions post-SRS of their cAVMs. Currently, causative factors underlying this phenomenon remain unelucidated. In addition, there are no biological markers to identify patients at risk of developing progressive lesions. Given the infrequency of such cases, the disease is discussed in corroboration with current literature and management strategies. Keywords: Cerebral arteriovenous malformation, Radionecrosis, Stereotactic radiosurgery